PEGS prove to be the strongest of the Division 1 crop

Josh Heriot

The Division One Men’s Grand Final has been run and won with PEGS taking out the premiership, defeating Old Camberwell Grammarians by 27 points to cap off their remarkable season.

Old Camberwell Grammarians have had a sensational finals series journey to get to last weekend’s grand final, mirroring what Old Brighton have done in the Premier division. They finished the season in fourth position and against the odds defeated Glen Eira in the first week of finals and then in the preliminary final upset Kew to advance to the big dance.

Saturday’s grand final saw PEGS start their own typical way, playing with speed and scoring power as they kicked the first six goals of the game to build a quarter time margin of 39 points and leaving Old Camberwell goalless in the first quarter.

With PEGS only conceding an average of 39 points against throughout the season, it was going to be challenging to break through their defence, but Old Camberwell did in the second quarter with two goals on the board and bridging the margin back to 25 points before the main break. They also restricted PEGS in front of goal as they kept them goalless in the second quarter, something that most teams haven’t been able to do against the standout team of the year.

Old Camberwell’s resurgence was supported by Riley Verbi who managed to register three majors for the afternoon while Ben Hart and James Allen were also key pillars in trying to keep Old Camberwell in the contest. The half time break saw the Wellers equal to the challenge as they tried to lean on the momentum generated in the second quarter.

The second half however saw PEGS pull away. Like they have done throughout season 2022 their defence strangled Old Camberwell and their forward line chipped in with a busy afternoon in front of the goals. Jack Fenner was once again sensational with four goals added to his name for the afternoon alongside Riley Simmons who has also had an outstanding season as he kicked two majors. Also plying his trade around the ground was Scott Whillas who helped put on the show for PEGS with a sensational performance to help win the premiership. He was also named amongst the best for PEGS having played 18 games for the season.

PEGS have finished off the season with only one loss and their dominance has been one of the most impressive team performances throughout the VAFA competition this year. It’s been a near perfect season for them with a plethora of positives to take to their next challenge in Premier C.

Likewise, the Wellers have had an unbelievable finals run to also advance up a division to Premier C. Both teams will certainly build up a world of confidence next year and it seems their quest to work up the grades has begun.

For PEGS it’s party time as they celebrate their premiership season success while for Old Camberwell Grammarians they are left to regroup after a tough loss and prepare for Premier C action next year.

Watch the full replay on VAFATV